Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've been a "lurker" for a while and finally have a question of my own....

One of my corns has been acting very strange. He has not shown much interest in eating for about 8 weeks, having only taken one mouse in that time. He is extremely active, constantly moving around the tank (trying to find a way out). I have not noticed a significant loss in weight either. I've tried F/T as well as prekilled/stunned but he isn't interested. He shed about two weeks ago.

I have him in a 30 gal aquarium, UTH with the warm side 85 and the cool usually 70-75, with hides on both sides. I did not cool him this winter since my females are not big enough to think about breeding this year.

Does this sound like normal behavior? I don't want to panic unnecessarily but he as was a very good eater until recently. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

The picture is from his old setup. I have replaced the mulch with aspen.

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DLWise
Marion, NY

Sounds like he is looking for love in all the wrong seasons.

Since you have the temps high enough, he may be smelling a female coming into breeding receptivity. If he's close to a female's enclosure, I'd guess that's what it is.

He'll get hungry again after the breeding opportunities pass.

Good luck!
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Darin Chappell
Hillbilly Herps
PO Box 254
Rogersville, MO 65742

Here's another idea.
The ambient light at this time of year lasts for far fewer hours than breeding season. Maybe he's looking for a place to 'chill'.
Many animals look for a place to hibernate or brumate.
Try shutting off the heat altogether, leaving the room temps normal and see if he calms down some.
If it works, turn the heat back on after about a month.
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...and I think to myself, "What a wonderful world."